Krepps expects big things

April 11, 2001|By DOMINICK MILLER

"We are working very hard," Krepps said. "It has been kind of tough with the weather, but we are working extremely hard. I have a great group of kids, and they are all very focused and ready to play. We have a lot of heart, which also helps."

Coach Krepps expects her seniors to shine. There was some question as to whether Westerman would be recovered from a foot injury in time to play this season, but the determined young lady is already back at full strength. Krepps looks to Westerman for leadership as well as infield skills. "Anne is one of those kids that younger kids look up to," she said. "No matter what you ask her, she'll do it. She is a role model on and off the field."

Advertisement

Prusakiewicz returns to third base and Simpson returns to first base. "I expect Sara to do big things this season. She worked hard last season to earn third base, and now she is looking very good," Krepps said. "Bri really shows leadership and should have a big year."

Kuras is the returning starter at catcher. "Mary won the most dedicated award last season, and she really blossomed last season in her first season as catcher," Krepps remarked. "I expect the same from her this season, maybe even more."

Krepps called Parker "a naturally-gifted athlete" with great potential. "I told Noni that this is her season to shine," Krepps said.

Other expected starters on the team include Borowiak and Elam. "Jessie will be a second baseman and a pitcher. She is a little older and a little stronger, and she is very confident for this season," Krepps reported. "Amanda was my runner from last season, and she got a lot of experience on the base paths. I expect good things this season."

Krepps doesn't have great numbers to work with this season, but is satisfied with the quality depth that Fisher, Henion, Skinner, Bauer and Prusakiewicz provide.

Krepps says that team speed will be the team's best attribute. Krepps would not give out her starting lineup, but she did say that Westerman will be the leadoff hitter, "as she always has."

Krepps believes her team can fare well in the Ski Valley Conference. "It is going to be a competitive conference, but we should do well," she said. "Our district and regional will be tougher [than last year], but that's OK. We play some good teams this season, and some we do not normally play, but I think we should be competitive."